Towards resolving the problematic status of the digenean genus Astiotrema Looss, 1900: An updated concept and revision of species composition for Astiotrema (sensu stricto)

Zootaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4991 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-72
Author(s):  
YASSER F. M. KARAR ◽  
CHARLES K. BLEND ◽  
NORMAN O. DRONEN ◽  
ASMAA ADEL
Keyword(s):  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Nominal Species ◽  
Comprehensive Review ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Parasite Specificity ◽  
Host Parasite ◽  
Distinguishing Features ◽  
Strict Definition

Species of Astiotrema Looss, 1900 (sensu lato) infect a wide range of fishes, amphibians and reptilians. They also possess a considerably wide spectrum of morphological features. Several species were recognized for variable, confusing, overlapping and unspecialized morphological characters rather than for unique distinguishing features, causing continuing dispute around the validity of several species. Following comprehensive review, a revised restricted concept of Astiotrema is proposed including a morphologically strict definition. Both Tremiorchis Mehra & Negi, 1926 and Astioglossimetra Bilqees, Khatoon & Khan, 2002 are synonymized with Astiotrema (sensu stricto). Several nominal species are synonymized, others are excluded and characters for each recognized species are presented and explained. Only eight species are recognized: Astiotrema cyclemysi Siddiqi, 1965, Astiotrema emydis Ejsmont, 1930, Astiotrema fotedari Dhar, 1977, Astiotrema impletum (Looss, 1899) Looss, 1900, Astiotrema karachiensis (Bilqees, Khatoon & Khan, 2002) n. comb., Astiotrema odhneri Bhalerao, 1936, Astiotrema ranarum (Mehra & Negi, 1926) Fotedar, 1971 and Astiotrema reniferum (Looss, 1898) Looss, 1900. A key to the species of Astiotrema (sensu stricto) is presented, a comprehensive list of all host-locality records is included and host-parasite specificity is elucidated.  

A synopsis of host-parasite associations between Trombidioidea (Trombidiformes: Prostigmata, Parasitengona) and arthropod hosts

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (7) ◽  
pp. 1375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena Felska ◽  
Andreas Wohltmann ◽  
Joanna Mąkol
Keyword(s):  
Host Record ◽  
Nominal Species ◽  
Ecological Data ◽  
Host Group ◽  
Comprehensive Review ◽  
Higher Taxa ◽  
Host Parasite Interactions ◽  
New Findings ◽  
Host Parasite ◽  
General Preferences

This comprehensive review of host-parasite associations between larval Trombidioidea and its arthropod hosts includes 676 pair-wise (species-species) associations and is based mainly on published records, supplemented with new findings. For 27% of all nominal species assigned to the superfamily (excl. Trombiculidae and Walchiidae), and for 66% of species known from larvae at least one host record has been hitherto provided. Hosts remain unknown for Allotanaupodidae and Yurebillidae. Both generalist and specialist parasites have been recognized within Trombidioidea. However, for the vast majority of species, the fragmentary data on host-parasite associations do not allow differentiation between common and exceptional hosts, apart from general preferences towards the host group. Hitherto recorded arthropod hosts, exploited by trombidioid larvae, are listed. Ecological data relating to measures of host-parasite interactions are summarized. Names of mites and their hosts are verified and updated and the recent affiliation to higher taxa is followed.

Ethnomedicinal uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Aspects of the Genus Berberis Linn: A Comprehensive Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roohi Mohi-ud-din ◽  
Reyaz Hassan Mir ◽  
Prince Ahad Mir ◽  
Saeema Farooq ◽  
Syed Naiem Raza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Constituents ◽  
Pharmacological Activities ◽  
Traditional Use ◽  
Comprehensive Review ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Anti Cancer ◽  
Comprehensive Survey ◽  
Ethnomedicinal Uses

Background: Genus Berberis (family Berberidaceae), which contains about 650 species and 17 genera worldwide, has been used in folklore and various traditional medicine systems. Berberis Linn. is the most established group among genera with around 450-500 species across the world. This comprehensive review will not only help researchers for further evaluation but also provide substantial information for future exploitation of species to develop novel herbal formulations. Objective: The present review is focussed to summarize and collect the updated review of information of Genus Berberis species reported to date regarding their ethnomedicinal information, chemical constituents, traditional/folklore use, and reported pharmacological activities on more than 40 species of Berberis. Conclusion: A comprehensive survey of the literature reveals that various species of the genus possess various phytoconstituents mainly alkaloids, flavonoid based compounds isolated from different parts of a plant with a wide range of pharmacological activities. So far, many pharmacological activities like anti-cancer, anti-hyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory both in vitro & in vivo and clinical study of different extracts/isolated compounds of different species of Berberis have been reported, proving their importance as a medicinal plant and claiming their traditional use.

Cucurbitacins as Anticancer Agents: A Patent Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hidayat Hussain ◽  
Ivan R. Green ◽  
Muhammad Saleem ◽  
Khanzadi F. Khattak ◽  
Muhammad Irshad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anticancer Agents ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Cytotoxic Effects ◽  
Natural Sources ◽  
Oh Groups ◽  
Drug Candidates ◽  
The Past ◽  
Wide Range

Background: Cucurbitacins belong to a group of tetracyclic triterpenoids that display a wide range of biological effects. In the past, numerous cucurbitacins have been isolated from natural sources and many active compounds have been synthesized using the privileged scaffold in order to enhance its cytotoxic effects. Objective: his review covers patents on the therapeutic effects of natural cucurbitacins and their synthetic analogs published during the past decade. By far, the majority of patents published are related to cancer and Structure-Activity Relationships (SAR) of these compounds are included to lend gravitas to this important class of natural products. Methods: The date about the published patents was downloaded via online open access patent databases. Results: Cucurbitacins display significant cytotoxic properties, in particular cucurbitacins B and D which possess very potent effects towards a number of cancer cells. Numerous cucurbitacins isolated from natural sources have been derivatized through chemical modification at the C(2)-OH and C(25)- OH groups. Most importantly, an acyl ester of the C(25)-OH and, iso-propyl, n-propyl and ethyl ether groups of the C(2)-OH demonstrated the most increased cytotoxic activity. Conclusion: The significant cytotoxic effects of natural and semi-synthetic cucurbitacins make them attractive as new drug candidates. Moreover, cucurbitacins have the capability to form conjugates with other anticancer drugs which will synergistically enhance their anticancer effects. The authors believe that in order to get lead compounds, there should be a greater focus on the synthesis of homodimers, heterodimers, and halo derivatives of cucurbitacins. In the opinion of the authors the analysis of the published patents on the cucurbitacins indicates that these compounds can be developed into a regimen to treat a wide spectrum of cancers.

scholarly journals Greater trochanteric pain syndrome: Evaluation and management of a wide spectrum of pathology

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 205031212110225
Author(s):  
Mark A Pianka ◽  
Joseph Serino ◽  
Steven F DeFroda ◽  
Blake M Bodendorfer
Keyword(s):  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Pain Syndrome ◽  
Operative Management ◽  
Hip Pain ◽  
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome ◽  
Trochanteric Bursitis ◽  
Treatment Indications ◽  
Careful Clinical Examination ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Tendon Pathology

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome is a common cause of lateral hip pain, encompassing a spectrum of disorders, including trochanteric bursitis, abductor tendon pathology, and external coxa saltans. Greater trochanteric pain syndrome is primarily a clinical diagnosis, and careful clinical examination is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment. A thorough history and physical exam may be used to help differentiate greater trochanteric pain syndrome from other common causes of hip pain, including osteoarthritis, femoroacetabular impingement, and lumbar stenosis. Although not required for diagnosis, plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging may be useful to exclude alternative pathologies or guide treatment of greater trochanteric pain syndrome. The majority of patients with greater trochanteric pain syndrome respond well to conservative management, including physical therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroid injections. Operative management is typically indicated in patients with chronic symptoms refractory to conservative therapy. A wide range of surgical options, both open and endoscopic, are available and should be guided by the specific etiology of pain. The purpose of this review is to highlight pertinent clinical and radiographic features used in the diagnosis and management of greater trochanteric pain syndrome. In addition, treatment indications, techniques, and outcomes are described.

scholarly journals MXenes for future nanophotonic device applications

Nanophotonics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 1831-1853
Author(s):  
Jaeho Jeon ◽  
Yajie Yang ◽  
Haeju Choi ◽  
Jin-Hong Park ◽  
Byoung Hun Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Transition Metal ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Optoelectronic Device ◽  
High Yield ◽  
Saturable Absorption ◽  
Nanophotonic Device ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Device Applications

AbstractTwo-dimensional (2D) layers of transition metal carbides, nitrides, or carbonitrides, collectively referred to as MXenes, are considered as the new family of 2D materials for the development of functional building blocks for optoelectronic and photonic device applications. Their advantages are based on their unique and tunable electronic and optical properties, which depend on the modulation of transition metal elements or surface functional groups. In this paper, we have presented a comprehensive review of MXenes to suggest an insightful perspective on future nanophotonic and optoelectronic device applications based on advanced synthesis processes and theoretically predicted or experimentally verified material properties. Recently developed optoelectronic and photonic devices, such as photodetectors, solar cells, fiber lasers, and light-emitting diodes are summarized in this review. Wide-spectrum photodetection with high photoresponsivity, high-yield solar cells, and effective saturable absorption were achieved by exploiting different MXenes. Further, the great potential of MXenes as an electrode material is predicted with a controllable work function in a wide range (1.6–8 eV) and high conductivity (~104 S/cm), and their potential as active channel material by generating a tunable energy bandgap is likewise shown. MXene can provide new functional building blocks for future generation nanophotonic device applications.

scholarly journals Overview of the Genetic Diversity of African Macrotermes (Termitidae: Macrotermitinae) and Implications for Taxonomy, Ecology and Food Science

Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 518
Author(s):  
Bronwyn Egan ◽  
Zwannda Nethavhani ◽  
Barbara van Asch
Keyword(s):  
Negative Impact ◽  
Phylogenetic Reconstruction ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Food Science ◽  
Cryptic Diversity ◽  
African Species ◽  
Genetic Groups ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Coi Sequences ◽  
High Level

Macrotermes termites play important ecological roles and are consumed by many communities as a delicacy and dietary complement throughout Africa. However, lack of reliable morphological characters has hampered studies of Macrotermes diversity in a wide range of scientific fields including ecology, phylogenetics and food science. In order to place our preliminary assessment of the diversity of Macrotermes in South Africa in context, we analysed a comprehensive dataset of COI sequences for African species including new and publicly available data. Phylogenetic reconstruction and estimates of genetic divergence showed a high level of incongruity between species names and genetic groups, as well as several instances of cryptic diversity. We identified three main clades and 17 genetic groups in the dataset. We propose that this structure be used as a background for future surveys of Macrotermes diversity in Africa, thus mitigating the negative impact of the present taxonomic uncertainties in the genus. The new specimens collected in Limpopo fell into four distinct genetic groups, suggesting that the region harbours remarkable Macrotermes diversity relative to other African regions surveyed in previous studies. This work shows that African Macrotermes have been understudied across the continent, and that the genus contains cryptic diversity undetectable by classic taxonomy. Furthermore, these results may inform future taxonomic revisions in Macrotermes, thus contributing to advances in termitology.

scholarly journals Morphology, vocalizations, and mitochondrial DNA suggest that the Graceful Prinia is two species

The Auk ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Per Alström ◽  
Pamela C Rasmussen ◽  
Canwei Xia ◽  
Lijun Zhang ◽  
Chengyi Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mitochondrial Dna ◽  
Arabian Peninsula ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Species Limits ◽  
Mosaic Pattern ◽  
Coalescence Time ◽  
New Subspecies ◽  
Taxonomic Analysis ◽  
Potential Contact

Abstract Prinias (Cisticolidae: Prinia) are resident warblers of open areas across Africa and Asia and include many polytypic species whose species limits have not been seriously reevaluated recently. Based on an integrative taxonomic analysis of morphology, song, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), we suggest that 2 species should be recognized in the Graceful Prinia (Prinia gracilis) complex. In addition, our morphological analyses show the existence of a well-marked undescribed form in southeastern Somalia, which we name herein as a new subspecies. Prinia gracilis is a small, drab, long-tailed species with streaking above and plain pale underparts that has been suggested to fall into 2 groups: the southwestern nominate group (from Egypt to Oman) and the northeastern lepida group (from Turkey through India). However, the characters presented to justify this grouping are variable and show a mosaic pattern, and whether genetic and vocal differences exist is unknown. We found consistent between-group song differences, with the nominate group giving consistently longer inter-phrase intervals, whereas the members of the lepida group sing an essentially continuous reel. An mtDNA tree suggests a deep split between the nominate and lepida groups, with a coalescence time between these clades of ~ 2.2 million years ago. Vocal and mtDNA analyses provided evidence that the northeastern Arabian Peninsula taxon carpenteri belongs to the lepida group. We found that, of all the morphological characters proposed, only proportions and tail barring and spotting relatively consistently distinguish the 2 groups. However, these characters strongly suggest that the eastern Arabian Peninsula is populated by taxa of both the gracilis and lepida groups, in different areas, but we lack genetic and bioacoustic data to corroborate this. Although further study is needed in potential contact zones, we suggest that 2 species should be recognized in the P. gracilis complex, and we propose the retention of the English name Graceful Prinia for P. gracilis sensu stricto, while we suggest that P. lepida be known as Delicate Prinia.

An integrative redescription of Hypsibius dujardini (Doyère, 1840), the nominal taxon for Hypsibioidea (Tardigrada: Eutardigrada)

Zootaxa ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4415 (1) ◽  
pp. 45 ◽  
Author(s):  
PIOTR GĄSIOREK ◽  
DANIEL STEC ◽  
WITOLD MOREK ◽  
ŁUKASZ MICHALCZYK
Keyword(s):  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Evolutionary Biology ◽  
Model Organism ◽  
Laboratory Strain ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Nominal Species ◽  
28S Rrna ◽  
The Family ◽  
The 19Th Century ◽  
Hypsibius Dujardini

A laboratory strain identified as “Hypsibius dujardini” is one of the best studied tardigrade strains: it is widely used as a model organism in a variety of research projects, ranging from developmental and evolutionary biology through physiology and anatomy to astrobiology. Hypsibius dujardini, originally described from the Île-de-France by Doyère in the first half of the 19th century, is now the nominal species for the superfamily Hypsibioidea. The species was traditionally considered cosmopolitan despite the fact that insufficient, old and sometimes contradictory descriptions and records prevented adequate delineations of similar Hypsibius species. As a consequence, H. dujardini appeared to occur globally, from Norway to Samoa. In this paper, we provide the first integrated taxonomic redescription of H. dujardini. In addition to classic imaging by light microscopy and a comprehensive morphometric dataset, we present scanning electron photomicrographs, and DNA sequences for three nuclear markers (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, ITS-2) and one mitochondrial marker (COI) that are characterised by various mutation rates. The results of our study reveal that a commercially available strain that is maintained in many laboratories throughout the world, and assumed to represent H. dujardini sensu stricto, represents, in fact, a new species: H. exemplaris sp. nov. Redescribing the nominal taxon for Hypsibiidae, we also redefine the family and amend the definitions of the subfamily Hypsibiinae and the genus Hypsibius. Moreover, we transfer H. arcticus (Murray, 1907) and Hypsibius conifer Mihelčič, 1938 to the genus Ramazzottius since the species exhibit claws and eggs of the Ramazzottius type. Finally, we designate H. fuhrmanni as subjectively invalid because the extremely poor description precludes identifying neotype material. 

Checklist of the cestode parasites of wild birds of Argentina

2021 ◽  
Vol 95 ◽  
Author(s):  
F.B. Drago ◽  
M. Dueñas Díaz ◽  
R. Draghi ◽  
V. Núñez
Keyword(s):  
Geographical Distribution ◽  
Wild Birds ◽  
Nominal Species ◽  
Generic Level ◽  
The Family ◽  
Host Parasite ◽  
Annotated Checklist

Abstract An annotated checklist of the cestode parasites of Argentinean wild birds is presented, as the result of a compilation of parasitological papers published between 1900 and April 2021. This review provides data on hosts, geographical distribution, sites of infection, location of material deposited in helminthological collections, references and taxonomic comments. A host/parasite list is also provided. During this period, 38 papers were published that gather information about 34 cestode nominal species and 11 taxa identified at generic level, belonging to three orders, ten families and 35 genera. The highest number of cestode taxa was recorded in the family Hymenolepididae, with 12 nominal species and two taxa identified at generic level, followed by Dilepididae, with eight nominal species and three taxa identified at generic level. Of the 1042 species of birds reported in Argentina, only 29 (2.8%) were reported as hosts of adult cestodes. The families of birds with the highest number of reported taxa were Laridae and Anatidae, with 20 and 14 taxa, respectively.

A Review on Meropenem

2021 ◽  
pp. 5034-5038
Author(s):  
Mohsina Abed ◽  
Sara Yousuf
Keyword(s):  
Intravenous Administration ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Gastrointestinal Haemorrhage ◽  
The Body ◽  
Antibacterial Drug ◽  
Bacterial Strains ◽  
Enhanced Absorption ◽  
Bacterial Cell Death ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Synthetic Derivative

Meropenem is a new Carbapenem antibacterial agent with wide spectrum of activity for intravenous administration. It is synthetic derivative of Thienamycin. Three analogues of Meropenem are evaluated and active against 18 bacterial strains. Meropenem causes rapid bacterial cell death by covalently binding to penicillin binding proteins (PBS). Structural modification at C-2 position, produced double promoiety prodrug of Meropenem and increases bioavailability of oral administration. Other forms of drug such as liposome and nanoparticles are also available with enhanced absorption. 14C labelled Meropenem prepared from 14C Dimethylamine hydrochloride is used for the analysis of M. tuberculosis transpeptidase. ICI213,689 is the only metabolite of Meropenem and it is inactive. Meropenem penetrates well into the body fluids and tissues including cerebrospinal fluid. Its bioavailability is 100% on intravenous administration. Hence it is used in the treatment of meningitis, febrile neutropenia, anthrax and various other skin and skin structure infections. Dosage reduction is required in patient with reduced renal function but not in hepatic impairment. Seizures, gastrointestinal haemorrhage are observed in patients. Vabmoere is the combination of Meropenem and Vaborbactam which is active against the Carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriacea. Meropenem is an effective broad-spectrum antibacterial drug for the treatment of wide range of infection including polymicrobial infection in both children and adult.

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